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9 Questions

Q: Can an electric pressure washer be used for a wood deck? About 600 square feet.by Don from Arkansas on August 14, 2016

A: In most cases, yes it can. You control how hard the spray strikes the wood by which nozzle you choose & how far you hold it from the surface.

This unit comes with 0°, 25° & 65° soap applicator nozzles. The degree measurement is how wide the spray fans out- the wider the fan, the gentler the spray.

I'd suggest starting in an inconspicuous place on your deck with the 65°(black) nozzle and experiment with how far to keep the nozzle from the surface. You want to clean the gunk off, but not gouge the wood or raise the grain. Depending on the condition of your deck, you may be able to use a smaller nozzle and stand farther away.

Q: Hi Mike I just received the ss390 model. Love it but the hose reel is very hard to turn. Any suggestions? Thanks Dave Bby Dave from Michigan on July 03, 2016

A: I have not heard of that issue before. I suggest reaching out to AR at 866-235-5112. Please let me know if I can be of any further help on this.by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Mike, it appears that AR makes a quality product in pressure washers and I would like your opinion is the price difference between the AR383 and the AR390SS worth the money? If so, can you please explain? Thanks,by Dave Moore from Missouri on May 25, 2015

A: The internal assembly is the same however the AR390SS has upgraded the external features including the water connections. The gun, wand and tip assembly are all upgrades that you would find on a more expensive gas model. All the upgrades I've ever wanted on a consumer electric are on this unit. by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Mike:I recently purchased an AR1800PSI Electric Pressure Washer Model AR391SS. While using it for the first time (and strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions), the motor started belching copious amounts of acrid smoke. I immediately turned off the machine and plan to return it to the supplier. I have scoured the manual and could find no reference to this problem. I’ve used power washers successfully for twenty years, so this situation is new to me. Do you know what might have caused this problem? Why should I still consider an AR power washer? I still need an electric power washer and am impressed with the reviews of the AR Blue Clean Supreme 2000 PSI (Electric Cold-Water) Pressure Washer. However, I don’t want another motor malfunction like the one I had on the AR391SS model. What do you suggest I do? Randyby Randy from Maryland on May 24, 2015

A: AR is one of the best in the consumer line up and I've not heard of any motor issues with this supplier but it sounds like you had a bad one. I would ensure you are not using an extension cord and not running the machine for long periods of time. The motor does need to rest during long work periods. by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Mike, I am struggling between buying the AR390SS and the Generac 6596. I like the ease of electric (less maintenance) vs power of a gas washer. I will be using the pressure washer to clean my drive way, house siding, clean 2nd story windows and the car. Will an electric washer be capable of these items or should I go with gas?

Appreciate your guidance. Also, do you suggest a different product vs the ones I listed?by Phil from Texas on May 17, 2015

A: A electric is great for small around the house task but if you have a large driveway, 2nd story home and or a lot of cleaning task you'll really wish you had the power of a gas machine. It will cut your cleaning down to a 1/4 of the time.

I love using an electric for quick jobs since there's no gas to deal with but to clean the siding of my two story house and patios I pull the gas one out. The 6596 is a super value right now at the lowest price of the season. by Brian, Product Expert

Q: can extentions be used? if so which ones and how many can be put together? im cleaning a 2 story house with a steep steel roof.so far im winging it since ive never done this before. Im hoping that Im getting the right machine for this. Im in a wheelchair and have to hire brawn that comes with minimal brains. so I have to borrow some of yours.?!? maybe you could suggest accessories that would be necessary. Ive enjoyed your website and information. by Willy Hugoboom from California on May 14, 2015

A: I'm pulling this out of the owners manual which is found on our specs tab - far right under documents.

Never use an extension power cord since itdefeats the effectiveness of the GFCI andincreases the chance of electrocuting theoperator.

My recommendations for this job would to hire a local crew who has the safety equipment to clean your roof and is insured. by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Where on the unit does the high pressure hose connect? I have seen several photos and each one shows the connection in a different place. Also, does the high pressure hose have to be completely removed from the reel to be used?by Kenny Isaac from Kansas on May 03, 2015

A: The high pressure hose will connect at the back of the pressure washer on the bottom (in between the wheels). This can bee seen on page 9 of the owner's manual I have attached.

This does come with an active hose reel, meaning you do not have to unwind the entire hose before using the pressure washer.by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Hey Mike. AR390SS shows a wobble pump on this website, but a tri-plex on Home Depot's site. Which is correct? Tried looking at AR's site, but couldn't find that info. Thanks!by Jim Veil from Michigan on March 15, 2015

A: This unit has a wobble pump on it. Originally it was claimed to have a triplex plunger pump, but it does have a wobble pump on it. by Brian, Product Expert

Q: Is the pump housing plastic?by Larry Morrison from Iowa on December 05, 2014

A: The housing is an ABS plastic, however, unlike other consumer electric pressure washers, this unit has brass fittings for the hoses.by Brian, Product Expert

AR produces some of the best electric pressure washers available in the market today, and this is definitely one model that I would recommend.
Unlike most electric pressure washers in this category, this model uses brass fittings- which is a huge plus over the more commonly used plastic fittings.

The reliable pump is paired with a heavy-duty motor and contained in an easy to transport, stable frame. Storage slots on the side keep the wand and nozzles from getting lost, and a pressurized... more

AR produces some of the best electric pressure washers available in the market today, and this is definitely one model that I would recommend.
Unlike most electric pressure washers in this category, this model uses brass fittings- which is a huge plus over the more commonly used plastic fittings.

The reliable pump is paired with a heavy-duty motor and contained in an easy to transport, stable frame. Storage slots on the side keep the wand and nozzles from getting lost, and a pressurized hose reel keeps the hose tidy and kink-free.

This proven performer from AR has everything you need wrapped up in a sleek package.

Brian Recommends This Model

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23619

Wade R.Yazoo City, MS

Purchased 12/15/16

Most Helpful Positive Review

REVIEWED

JAN.

06

2017

Very Useful

I have the AR390SS, which has all metal fittings except for the connection to the water source. It uses standard 1/4" NPT pressure fittings for the tips, so you can add to this with parts found pretty much anywhere. It is slower to use than a gas-powered unit, but it still has enough power to do what *I* need it to do. The soap delivery system works well for some things, but for my car I added a very nice MTM Foam Cannon, which fits the unit and works well with its GPM and PSI ratings.

I have cleaned my concrete and brickwork, my wooden fence, and washed all my vehicles with this unit and have been pleased with it from the get go. It is well made, overall, but I would be willing to pay more for a wider, less-tippy base design and a hose reel made of aluminum, especially the handle. The unit is also rather light, which is great when you are moving it around.

But there is that inherent tippy-ness to consider.

You cannot pull the hose out as you go the unit *will* fall over. The reel seems to be a bit too tight to rotate freely and the hose is stiff and can be a bit weird to maneuver as you work.

Because of this I pulled my AR390SS over onto its face twice during my first use, scuffing up my brand new washer only two hours after having unpacked and assembled it. You pretty much need an assistant to spool it out to you as you go until you get used to using it, or you need to spool it out *all the way* before you use it. I now do the latter and it works fine for me.

Despite the flimsiness and stiffness of the hose reel and the cheap, folding hand crank, everything else about this washer is top notch. I supposed it is so good for this low of a price point specifically because of the excellent pump and the cheaper hose reel. To get the really good works you have to cut corners somewhere. This is how AR chose to do it.

After several extended sessions with this washer I am glad they gave me the pump rather than a fancier reel and hand crank.

However, if AR ever comes out with this unit with a heavier, wider base to help with the instability and they provide a higher quality reel and handle on better bearings I would buy it that day.

This is an excellent, affordable pressure washer with a decent flow rate and PSI. I am *very* pleased with this purchase. Even my wife really likes the thing. Highly recommended!

I have the AR390SS, which has all metal fittings except for the connection to the water source. It uses standard 1/4" NPT pressure fittings for the tips, so you can add to this with parts found pretty much anywhere. It is slower to use than a gas-powered unit, but it still has enough power to do what *I* need it to do. The soap delivery system works well for some things, but for my car I added a very nice MTM Foam Cannon, which fits the unit and works well with its GPM and PSI ratings.more

Soap dispensing system inoperable. Have the right soap, instructions say just turn the knob. Does not suck a drop of soap out of the dispenser. Nothing in the docs/troubleshooting address this issue. Will call the PWD guys and see what they say.

Pros:Quiet, Price

Cons:Bad Instructions, Soap dispenser not working yet.

Product Expert

John,

I checked the Owner's Manual, and it doesn't really explain that soap will only be applied while using the black, 65° spray tip (it's flatter than the pointy black turbo nozzle). This tip sprays only at low pressure, and allows a siphon to form so the soap will be sucked out of the detergent tank into the water stream.

I would suggest turning the detergent knob to MIN when starting; once you see the soap flowing you should be able to turn it up if you need to.

If using the black tip doesn't let the unit apply soap, please give the folks at AR a call at 866-235-5112 so they can help you resolve the issue. Please also have the serial number of your pressure washer handy when you call AR.

PED customer service is 100% correct. Please make sure you are using the black nozzle that has "SOAP" in white letters on this side of it. If that doesn't start the detergent siphon then please call 1-866-235-5112.

I had a lot of problems trying to use it the first time. The instructions were incorrect. It showed that I needed an Allen wrench, when, in fact, I did not. I called the company and was referred to another instruction manual on the internet. That one also was misleading.

I finally got to the person in charge and he sent me extra parts which, it turns out, I did not need. The garden hose adapter was the problem the whole time and it was already on the pressure washer from the factory. The instructions to use were confusing. I had to have someone come over and walk me thru it. I then pressure washed my cement and it did not completely clean it. I would assume I need to get detergent.

I had a lot of problems trying to use it the first time. The instructions were incorrect. It showed that I needed an Allen wrench, when, in fact, I did not. I called the company and was referred to another instruction manual on the internet. That one also was misleading.

I finally got to the person in charge and he sent me extra parts which, it turns out, I did not need. The garden hose adapter was the problem the whole time and it was already on the pressure washer from the factory.... more

Pros:Price

Cons:Bad Instructions, Heavy, Difficult To Use

Product Expert

Susan,

Cement has nooks and crannies that trap and hold dirt. Pressure washer-safe concrete detergents help the dirt release from the concrete and float it up where the pressure washer can rinse it away. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle for best results.

Stains can be stubborn. While the Turbo Nozzle that came with your unit is effective at blasting stains, please be careful that you don't damage the surface with the powerful spray. Testing in an inconspicuous place is a good idea so you get the hang of the nozzle, and can assess the condition of the surface.

The washer arrived in a few days and was easy and quick to assemble. Everything worked immediately.

The metal hose bib is nice and an important feature. The body, hose reel and wheels are plastic and probably not very durable long term unless it is handled very gently. The hose reel is cumbersome to use. Having said that, overall the pressure washer has performed pretty well, particularly for the cost.

It is a good home use, light job tool but not recommended for a shop or heavy use.

Pros:Easy To Use, Light Weight, Easy To Store, Price

Cons:Durability, Low Quality

Greg Recommends This AR Product

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00

Larry O.Alvord, TX

Purchased 1/25/17

REVIEWED

MAR.

09

2017

Great To Have Something You Don't Have To Worry Whether It Will

Great unit, good power, reliable, only downfall is the same with all power washers. A better way to reel the hose up would be helpful.

Would buy again though. And would definitely recommend.

Pros:I'd Buy It Again, Quiet, Price, Reliable

Cons:None of the above, better hose reel would be nice.

Larry Recommends This AR Product

Product Expert

Larry,

Laying the hose out in the sun a few times will help it uncurl- that should make it easier to work with, and also easier to put back onto the reel.

I've passed your comments along to the folks who layout our emails- thank you for letting us know!

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20

Harold T.Wakefield, RI

Purchased 2/1/17

REVIEWED

FEB.

23

2017

Great Pressure Washer In Our Detail Shop

This is a great little washer for washing the grime off of the sandy and salty winter cars. The only problem we are having is with the hose kinking that appears to be permanent because the hose is plastic.

Pros:Easy To Use, I'd Buy It Again, Light Weight, Easy To Store

Cons:Plastic pressure hose

Harold Recommends This AR Product

Product Expert

Harold,

If you can find a warm, sunny spot (not always easy to do in the winter, I grant you) it will help to lay the hose out straight and let it warm up before you use it. As you continue to use it will relax a bit as well.